clouds have cleared

The storm has passed. The beach has been washed new things have been churned up. New things waiting to be discovered.

It was a pretty difficult time for me last week. I was disappointed when I was notified regarding the loss of a venue I have been fond of. For the most part the disappointment was in the manner I was notified. SO.... after the shock and sadness, the clouds cleared and I was left with the love and support of so many.

New and exciting things areon my horizon!!!!

Next month is a special event at Thea's store in the Pearl district. I am privileged to have been invited to be one of her guest artists and have been working hard creating things for a wedding themed evening. Thank you Thea for you support and encouragement.

Another exciting event is on the horizon. Laura and Jason Angel are almost ready to open the doors on Sixpence. I am honored to have been chosen to be a small part what is sure to be a real destination for those who love to hunt and gather.......or just plane visit and enjoy beautiful things is an enchanting setting. Lake Oswego is in for a treat. Check out the blog atwww.sispenceantiques.blogspot.com Thea's is wwww.theashome.blogspot.com

So You see I allot of excitement coming my way. I know things always change. I am so blessed to have such wonderful support. Moments like this also give me an opportunity focus on how I want to live my life and relate to others. Kindness and respect,gentleness and truth are the things I hold dear and try to give to others.

a little respite

At last a chance to breathe and walk on the beach with David. The last few months have been a challenge. The passing of David's father as well as life in general has taken a toll.

It has been wonderful doing one of my favorite things...gathering agates on the beach.

My mind wanders as I try to let go of things!! I am not good at quieting my thoughts. Things hide in the corners of my mind.... life's "blips" and "bumps" are waiting to taking me away from the moment.

I realize as I search for the shiny little stone that give me such pleasure, that they are often found on the edge where the wave and sand meet. Pushed up on the sand by the waves and found resting in the flotsam under my feet. Then I realize they are best found hiding near the edges of the great boulders bordering the cove....I look there and am rewarded. Soon I realize time has passed..thoughts have come and gone. I realize I can't solve my or the worlds problems. What I can do it glance down and often there at my feet, just often enough... is a large glowing and sometimes rough prized stone. Even more prized is the brief time I have been involved in beauty outside my thoughts. As I often remind my too busy and stressed son, I remind myself.....Breathe!

Then I come back to the room....empty my pockets and count my blessings.

New pictures for Thea

Spreading and Sharing

I just received a wonderful note from Ludmil. I miss him and Linda so much and love to share....via this magic and sometimes tragic[for me] thing called the world wide web. He reported on his garden in Texas. He has always created beautiful gardens wherever they have set up home. Often to his dismay......as it is for all gardeners.......the labor and time they demand can be daunting.

The report today included one on the hollyhock plants that have been growing from the seeds which they took home after a visit. Nearly 6ft. tall and it seems ready to produce the first flowers. I know the excitement!!!!!!! One is never quiet sure what bloom colors one has as hollyhocks cross pollinate. I know the plants will be happy in Texas and I am happy they are travelling and spreading the joy they give me.

A long quiet spell

Spring has definitely made a showing and gloriously at that. My life becomes a whirl in the garden and in the house as I am also working hard on my art. With Sixpence opening in June and Thea having wonderful plans for her shop, my mind and house are under beautiful piles of paper, ribbon and sea shells.

We think of Grandpa Paul often as we take up the business
of our daily lives.

Thea's beautiful store

Here are some pictures of Withies things at Thea's lovely shop in the Pearl District. If you haven't been there you must go. If you have been there then you KNOW.

sweet spring/new beginning

Spring is so in the air today. What a symbol of Spring is the EGG. I don't know why I love eggs[the shape] so much. Perhaps it is the perfection of texture and form. Perhaps it is the secret of it's promise. I have always collected eggs of any sort. Here is a tiny collection of tiny eggs I have put together for a new store opening here in Lake Oswego, the beginning of June. Laura and Jay Angel are re-opening a wonderful store called Sixpence. Susan [Laura's mom] and Jean had created a wonderful destination hidden away in an historic building . When dear Susan passed she left a treasure of boxes to her daughters. NOW Laura and Jay have begun the dream all over again. they hare young and enthusiastic not to mention creative. I was so pleased they have chosen The Withies as a creative voice for their vision. They have chosen some wonderful items to enhance the Sixpence experience. I can't wait to see and be a part of it all.